Agro input centres for 774 local govts

President, National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS), Ken Ukuoha, has said the Federal Government plans to establish the one-stop agro-input centre in all the 774 Local Government Areas in the country.

This is intended to bring agricultural inputs closer to rural farmers and assure food security.

Speaking yesterday at the stakeholders consultation on the one-stop agro-input center in Abuja, he said though most farmers are not familiar with the programme, they will get used to it when it is eventually introduced.

He said: “The proposal is to establish the one stop centre in the 774 local government areas of the country in the long run for the purpose of increasing the availability, accessibility and affordability of quality agro-input. Improved and hybrid seeds, fertilser including chemicals, especially in rural areas.

“The idea is to resuscitate the fragile rural agricultural input chain through re-engagement of markets, provision of subsidies input and significantly contribute to small holders farmers increased access to agro-inputs. Unfotunately, not many farmers in the country are aware of this plan or the existence of such a facility anywhere, and farmers are therefore not aware of the service and products available in the centre.

“Getting input closer to farmers by the government is one of the sure ways of directly impacting on the livelihoods of the farmers and rural people. We must therefore make this point to emphasise the need for all stakeholders to seek ways of supporting such laudable thinking of government and her effort at revitalising the agricultural sector.